Its almost year end and there are so many tests and assignments to be done during this time.  I am relieved to know that I am almost a third year student.  During the last couple of weeks I have realized that LSKM has taught me so much about development of children in terms of music and incorporating it into the classroom and in combination with other subjects.  This has awaken a enthusiasm in the teacher in me.  Learning that music is a component in the learning process and developmental process that a teacher can not go without was valuable for me as a teacher.

These blog posts inspired me to reflect and realize what stood out for me as a teacher in each study Unit.  Posting blogs and reading other students blogs gave me new perspective about other students idea of incorporating music and learn new ideas.  I found it challenging  to summarize and keep my blogs short because there are so many content that I learnt and found interesting.  The individual reflections was meaningful to me because it gave me that once a week quiet time to reflect on how I experienced and coped with my week of studying.

I would add more practical examples of what I learnt in the week and how to incorporate what I learnt in a practical manner.  It would have been more helpful if there were more practical classroom examples of what we have learnt.  My opinion has not been challenged.  I think what I really liked was that everyone was open to each others opinions and content.

Study Unit 5 Blog post

We are drawing near to the end of the year and the pressure of all the different subject due dates is increasing.  Being so close to finishing my second year feels great, but taking it day by day in finishing and studying for tests is first on my mind. 

Study Unit 5 in terms of assessment has motivated and inspired me to view it from a different aspect.  Assessment should not be experienced by learners as being judged.  It should be viewed from an inspiring and motivating viewpoint.  The environment in which learners are assessed is crucial in ensuring that they are in a safe space where their true abilities can be measured.  When I think back being a learner in school, often being assessed gave me nerves and then I used to make mistakes.  A true reflection on my abilities would often not be portrayed because of the judged environment felt by me as a child in the classroom.  Luckily times have changed and teachers have tools and resources and skills now that give better results.  Assessment should be seen as a resource used so that learners can learn more and motivate them to learn.  Teachers are in a fortunate position to be transparent about their assessment and explain to learners exactly what they are assessing.  This creates an environment where the learner can immediately know where they need to improve and how they need to improve.  This can only happen when the teacher sets a relaxed and transparent environment. 

In the foundation phase especially, assessment of performing arts is often neglected. Your school also recently appointed a HOD who does not emphasise or prioritise the assessment of music activities to any degree. As a new FP teacher, and considering your training as BEd student, you recognise the importance of assessment as an integral part of the teaching and learning process. You are of the opinion that assessment must be used to enhance both teaching and learning practices

• What could the possible reasons be that assessment is neglected in Performing Arts and Music in the Foundation Phase?

The reason could be that the HOD may not realise how beneficial and crucial music is to the entire developmental aspect of a child.  The skills developed and the way in which music speaks to the whole child is not considered by the HOD.

• Please explain how you would advocate for and heighten awareness about the importance of assessment when speaking with your HOD about your concerns in this regard.

Enroll different assessment strategies in the classroom and share experiences regularly where positive results are visibly noticeable.  Stipulate how beneficial it is for each learner as a whole to reflect on their own progress and how they engage in conversation regarding learning.  Encourage the HOD to visit your classroom so that he or she can notice how well learner’s learning is progressing and how learning is encouraged through assessment. 

This week went by so quickly.  My kids have school holiday so keeping them busy and working full time and giving all of the attention I have left to my studies was quite tiring.  Life skills as a subject has always been so interesting to me, so in the week when I needed motivation and inspiration I start with Life Skills work :)   

What was most interesting about Study Unit 4 for me was to learn in detail how arts intergration benefits learners in the classroom and adds to the overall development of learners.  Arts intergration can be incorporated with any subject. When I think about implimenting art intergration in my classroom one word comes to mind and that word is demonstration.  Learners have the opportunitiy to demonstrate and express themeselves in their learning process.

I could not imagine a classroom without the use of art intergration.  It could never be a waste of time.  There is too much value hidden in its practice.  Arts intergration makes the classroom a fun and happy environment.  It motivates learners to learn and encourages more than one subject learnt by learners.  a Waste of time I would rather say is replacing art intergration with other less effective options and ways of teaching.

This was full of late night studying because of due dates of assignments and our WILL assignment finalization.  This week stood out because I learnt so many new concepts and teaching concepts in all my different subjects which really excited me.  It was also my birthday this week so the week was filled with excitement from my studies throughout my personal life :)  

Due to my birthday this week I didn't have my routine study times because of visits from family and friends.  My birthday definitely inhibited my study time a little. Fortunately I made sure no study time was lost, my nights just became a little longer. I learnt this week especially that play plays such a significant role in education and development of the child.  The different types of play opened a whole new world to me on how children learn and interact and how the specific type of play is relevant to specific developmental aspects.

The seven elements of play was insightful information and I could in vision some of my class learners on doing specific games and structured play and assessing how these learners play.  How music is incorporated into play and how the whole child develops through music and play together is extraordinary.  The different games that learners can play with music is very interesting to me.

Referring back to the questions about study unit 3, some learners may have felt uncomfortable due to the language that they may not understand due to cultural differences and also religious reasons.  More conservative religions do not portray dancing as acceptable and this may cause discomfort for some children.  Consequently, we have to take care when selecting the songs and music that we will use in our classrooms. We also have to consider the types of activities that we present. It is important to ensure that, when working with South African indigenous songs and games.  Knowing my learners individually will help to make sure that music and activities used does not make them uncomfortable or offended.  When learners backgrounds and interests are considered, I think the room for error decreases considerably.  Taking into consideration what these learners at this age listen at home or break times will assist in the decision on what music and dancing activities will work best.